Local Norms and the Theory of Planned Behavior: Understanding the Effects of Spatial Proximity on Recycling Intentions and Self-Reported Behavior

Abstract

This paper aims to deepen the understanding of the role of “local norms” in explaining ecological behavior within Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behavior. A longitudinal investigation (overall N = 222), focused on households waste recycling, tested the hypothesis that the effects of this type of norms on behavioral intentions varies as a function of the individual’s spatial proximity to the social categories relevant to the social-physical context (in this study: housemates, neighbors, inhabitants of the district or quarter, and inhabitants of the city) in which the behavior takes place. The hypothesis was confirmed and we also showed that the effects of local norms are empirically distinguishable from those of the social norms already considered by the model (i.e., subjective norms). Local norms, also have a direct influence on self-reported recycling behavior measured 1 month after intentions. We propose possible theoretical explanations for the results obtained and discuss the implications for applicative purposes.

Mediating effect of behavioural intention on podcast acceptance

“…The TPB was critiqued since it contains the intention factor (Hall et al 2019 ). For instance, this TPB model has some factors which are like the theory of reasoned action (TRA) (Passafaro et al 2019 ). Examples of these factors are ‘attitude, subjective norm, behaviour and behavioural intention’ (Nisson and Earl 2015 , p.16).…”

The effects of idealism and relativism on the moral judgement of social vs. environmental issues, and their relation to self-reported pro-environmental behaviours

“…Today’s pressing climate change issues call for the search for effective means to inspire people to support environmental movements [ 1 , 2 ]. So far, academics, including psychologists, sociologists, economists, policy makers and scholars of neighbouring disciplines have employed emotions [ 3 , 4 ], nudges [ 5 , 6 ], theories of Planned Behaviour (TPB) [ 7 , 8 ], Value-Belief-Norm (VBN) [ 9 , 10 ] and other techniques to understand and foster positive environmental behaviour change. Over recent years, academics have undoubtedly provided a significant amount of insight into barriers to people’s adoption of environmentally friendly lifestyles [ 11 – 13 ], yet many pro-environmental research studies have fallen short of capturing the so-called “attitude-behaviour” gap–the inconsistency between what people say and what they actually do [ 14 , 15 ].…”

An Analysis of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem of Malawi: The Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) Approach

“…Attitude is a widely studied concept from organisational behaviour, to psychology, to medicine, to entrepreneurship. Perhaps, more established relationships between attitude and planned behaviour are often discussed under the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) (Passafaro & Kosic, 2019). Attitude has been touted as one of the most important determinants of human behaviour and intentions.…”

“…However, entrepreneurial attitudes differ across regions and nations (Beugelsdijk & Noorderhaven, 2004). And quite often there are inconsistencies in how attitude as a construct is defined and measured across different studies (Passafaro & Kosic, 2019). Beugelsdijk & Noorderhaven (2004) also make an interesting argument that entrepreneurial attitude can act as both a driver for economic development and a product of economic development.…”